Jedward’s phenomenal success have turned them into one of Ireland’s biggest musical exports. In their very short history, they’ve notched up multi-platinum sales, endorsed several products, broken social networking fan figures, and set up shop on major reality programmes from Celebrity Big Brother to Britain’s Got Talent. Why, then, are there still chuckles form naysayers whenever they take to the stage? It’s about time that music experts and the general public start taking them seriously. Deban Aderemi—the newest member of the WiwiBloggs.Com team—is about to tell you why.
Those of us au fait with the entertainment industry know that good vocals aren’t everything. Take Beverly Knight for example. That girl can sing! Anyone who’s been fortunate enough to see her live shows (I’ve only seen her live nine times) are always blown away by her vocals. However, her highest charting song barely scraped into the U.K. Top 10, and she’s yet to have platinum sales on any of her 10 albums.
Comparing her to Janet Jackson who whispered—rather than sing—throughout her career, the differences are staggering! Janet’s notched up sales of over 100 million albums globally, and she’s one of the most acclaimed, awarded and respected music stars in all categories. Who ever said life was fair if your last name isn’t Jackson?
Now, back to Jedward. These twin boys—or maybe they’re men now?— first made their way onto our TV screens via The U.K.’s X Factor in 2009. They managed to finish 6th amid great controversy, and went on to release a few singles to great success (Check out “Wow, Oh, Wow” for instance). Last year, they represented Ireland with the song “Lipstick” in ESC and finished 8th. Lipstick topped the Irish singles chart and featured in the Top 10 of many other song charts, even as far out as Korea.
This year they’re making another go at Eurovision with the song “Waterline.” If they win the Irish Eurosong pre-selection, it will be the first time an act has represented Ireland two years in a row.
So how does “Waterline” rate among the other Irish entries? For a start, it’s the only entry that packs a punch. As good as the other 5 entries are (listen to all of them here), “Waterline” doesn’t rely on a slow intro to build up to its musical orgasm. It gets down to business right away. It’s a great pop number that nods at the 90’s boybands, but at the same time, thumps with Jedtastic sass.
Clearly a progressive departure from “Lipstick,” “Waterline” showcases Jedward’s personal best and happens to be the most exciting song in Ireland’s pre-selection this decade.
But it’s votes that count! My hope is that Ireland chooses wisely and nominates its favourite gimmick to bring the ESC trophy back to Dublin.
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Deban – as an aficionado of Eurovision for more years than I can care to remember – yes I even remember as far back as Abba winning when watching it with my babysitter – and as much as I loved Terry Wogan’s commentary over the years and now Graham Norton I think you should be doing a live commentary – it would make a change to hear someone like yourself who has a true passion for the contest and would perhaps not be so derisory about it!
Oh dear Lord deliver me from the terrible twins!!!!! I don’t know why, but these 2 just annoy me…. Okay i do know why, but it will take too long to explain. On a slightly positive note, i do think they are somewhat entertaining… sometimes. I just wish they would just shut up and stop acting like idiots all the time and trying to be comedians. It goes overboard and that it when i start getting annoyed. So if they could just please perform, and just leave the stage without talking or twirling or pulling a silly face, then that… Read more »
They did win so now Europe ( and more) will have a musical orgasm LOL
Absolutely agree with you Deban. Don’t let their bubble gum erratic image fool you, these guys are true professionals and know how to get what they want no matter what it takes.
Deban Deban Deban
You nailed it to the A
You did it again
I hope they win tonight ONLY so that I am able to experience a musical orgasm all across of Europe ( and beyond)
Will that be the first of it’s kind?
Can’t wait
Though they come across somehow annoying as you sometimes feel like dragging them by the hair across the stage, they do actually (in my opinion) make an excellent duo.
To further support what Deban says, their song isn’t only very punchy whilst keeping you awake (unlike most); but likewise compliments their charmingly fun-loving & chaotic personalities, which isn’t necessarily a bad mix. They’re certainly my Guilty Pleasure. Jedward for Ireland!!!
Sitting here in Ireland 24 hours from Eurosong I find it impossible to believe that they won’t win. I think that Jedward are very entertaining and that this song, though different to Lipstick it might be a more wide appeal to the teen girl pop fans out there.
I’ll throw in a vote for Jedward for you Deban tomorrow night.
I don’t think Jedward should represent Ireland again this year, however I think the song will do well but we shall see.
Dear Jed (and Deban) haters,
Cut them some slack.
I have to agree with Deban; talent is the (expected) foundation but it’s not everything and I would know, I work in PR.
Besides, whichever side of the Marmite fence you’re on, you have to acknowledge – the figures don’t lie. Jedward are a force to be reckoned with and after following WiWi Bloggs closely, it’s clearly they’re the general favourite for now.
Watch out UK – i sensing another episode of “nil point”.
they are very interesting
they will win eurosong 2012 and will walk the contest in Ireland on friday night. they are going to win because they are the best. BUT i feel that they are in an unfair contest. WHY? because the other singers are just there to fill the show on friday night in Dublin. The twins have over 500,000 twitter followers and are worth over 7 million euro they dont have to worry about their career. I feel sorry for anyone entering a song contest from Ireland cause pr works and if your not famous you wont get anywhere.
Hi Deban, Thanks for a great aticle, I enjoyed it very much, well done! Having heard the other entries involved, I do agree that Jedward’s Waterline is by far the best. The boys are great fun and full of enthusiasm – the fact that they are not great singers will, hopefully, be helped by some good backing singers!!! I am looking forward to the result tomorrow night!!
As much as I liked Lipstick, and indeed Waterline, I still can’t get past the fact that this pair are still talentless when it comes to singing and just shows the power of PR. I appreciate they aren’t the only succesful artists who have a lack of singing ability but, for me, that still doesn’t make it right.
Once in Eurovision was entertaining, twice could be too much. I’m opting for Mercy!
Deban, you are a fantastic writer and critic … who lacks focus. Why in the name of Jedward do you bring in all this bullshit talk of Knight and Jackson? I already read your articles within minutes of publishing. I dont give a rats ass about those two. Thanks to you, I have been listening to Waterline not one, but 60 too many times everyday. IF they go through to the final, I plead that you and your groupie make Jedward not dress up like teletubbies with gelled hair jumping around. Do you reckon this will be one of those… Read more »
Deban !! You absolutely have the talent to discover stars !!! What the hell are you doing in England , pack your bags and jet off to Holly Wood . I agree with your in-depth analysis of Jedward , very true and inspiring . You are a a discovery yourself who needs to be discovered .
In Europe they’re respected as singers and their music sells well, I wouldn’t be surprised if they did well this year in Eurovision if they get through Eurosong.
A very thoughtful well written article, I agree, John and Edward work very hard and take their music very seriously, they have earned respect and its refreshing to see them being shown some, Hopefully they will be chosen to represent Ireland again after doing so well last year, they have a huge European fan base now, so have the potential to do extremely well
Very disappointing. Your article about “Girls aloud” was full of bile and bitchiness, it was rather fun to read. This one, on the other hand, lacks punch. One would almost get the impression that you like this pair of twerps!
Well said. Love it when the likes of you wrote about Jedward in a very respectful and appreciative way. Yeah its about time they are be taken seriously, coz they are serious about their music career . Music and performing is written all over them.
Thank you Wiwibloggs =:)
Absolutely agree..I have heard all the potential Irish entries and WaterLine by Jedward is by far the best, I am not from Ireland, so if they make it through Eurosong, then you will be guarenteed my vote come Eurovision.